Sukta 10

Mantra 1

प्र स्वानासो रथा इवार्वन्तो न श्रवस्यवः । सोमासो राये अक्रमुः ॥

Forth they move, self-impelled, like chariots, like steeds eager for the inspired hearing; the Soma-powers stride out towards the plenitude of being (rāyī).

Mantra 2

हिन्वानासो रथा इव दधन्विरे गभस्त्योः । भरासः कारिणामिव ॥

Urged on like chariots, they stretch themselves in the two hands (of the divine grasp); they are the bearers, like craftsmen—shaping and carrying the substance of delight into form.

Mantra 3

राजानो न प्रशस्तिभिः सोमासो गोभिरञ्जते । यज्ञो न सप्त धातृभिः ॥

Like kings with their consecrations, the Soma-streams anoint themselves with the rays of Light; like a sacrifice fashioned by seven upholders, they take their ordered form in the Truth-work.

Mantra 4

परि सुवानास इन्दवो मदाय बर्हणा गिरा । सुता अर्षन्ति धारया ॥

Round about, the pressed bright drops, swelling with the word, flow in their stream for the ecstasy—poured out, they run in a continuous current.

Mantra 5

आपानासो विवस्वतो जनन्त उषसो भगम् । सूरा अण्वं वि तन्वते ॥

Drinking deep of Vivasvat’s radiance, they bring forth the Dawn’s portion of felicity; the luminous ones spread out the subtle thread—extending the fine path of light in the being.

Mantra 6

अप द्वारा मतीनां प्रत्ना ऋण्वन्ति कारवः । वृष्णो हरस आयवः ॥

The ancient makers of the Word open out the doors of the inspired understandings; the seekers press forward toward the flaming energy of the Mighty One.

Mantra 7

समीचीनास आसते होतारः सप्तजामयः । पदमेकस्य पिप्रतः ॥

Harmonised, the seven kindred Hotṛ-powers take their seat; they fill and make firm the single step—the one foundation of the Divine.

Mantra 8

नाभा नाभिं न आ ददे चक्षुश्चित्सूर्ये सचा । कवेरपत्यमा दुहे ॥

He gives us the navel—the central knot of being; and even the eye, in companionship with the Sun. He milks out for us the offspring of the Seer: the birth of inspired knowledge.

Mantra 9

अभि प्रिया दिवस्पदमध्वर्युभिर्गुहा हितम् । सूरः पश्यति चक्षसा ॥

Toward the beloved station of Heaven—hidden in the secret—by the Adhvaryus it is set; the luminous Seer beholds it with the eye of vision.